Who would have thought that flying to the United States would become as appealing as ordering brunch in Paris? This summer, the hunt for great deals is taking off: between Paris and Los Angeles, some tickets are dropping to just €180. Airlines are betting on mind-blowing promotions, and eager travelers are already tapping their feet on the tarmac… But what lies behind these unbeatable prices? Get your bags ready, America has never seemed so close!
Want to fly to the United States without breaking the bank? This spring, airfares to New York, Los Angeles, or Miami are plummeting, with one-way Paris-Los Angeles tickets priced at just €180 in May. Should we take advantage before prices go up? Here’s a look at this unique opportunity, where promotions are plentiful, demand is dwindling, and airlines are competing inventively to fill their planes. But beware: although flying is (almost) free now, the American dream can quickly become expensive once you get there!
Unseen prices for crossing the Atlantic
Flying to the United States for the price of a weekend in the countryside? This has long been a sweet dream for French travelers! But this year, reality exceeds fiction: some airlines, like French Bee, are offering direct Paris-Los Angeles flights for €180 one way, including a 12 kg cabin bag. Normally, you’d have to pay nearly double! At this price, even the indecisive might crack for California.
This isn’t an isolated case: Air France, for example, is showing one-way flights to New York for under €220 in May, and round trips between Paris and New York starting from €450 in economy class. Intrigued by these deals? There are even tips from seasoned travelers who manage to book flights for just a few euros! Find out how on this page.
The drop in demand: a Trump effect or a lasting trend?
Why such a price drop? The French are turning away from America! Since spring, the number of travelers wishing to fly to the United States has plummeted dramatically. According to the Protourisme consultancy, there are 25 to 30% fewer bookings this year compared to last according to tour operators. Several specialists point to the political climate, particularly the return of Donald Trump to the White House, which has deterred many would-be travelers.
Even travel comparison sites, like Liligo.com, have noticed a nearly 27% drop in travel intentions since January. Air France shares this observation: the economy class, usually bustling at this time, is emptier. To revive demand, airlines are therefore ramping up promotional offers and adjusting their flight frequencies. A real balancing act with vacant seats to fill!
Who really benefits from these promotions?
A glance at the cheap flight search engines shows that most promotions are for flights departing from France. Airlines want to attract new French customers and fill their cabins. Americans, on the other hand, continue to arrive in large numbers on our soil.
Families, young travelers, and everyone wishing to realize their New York dream or discover the beaches of the West Coast find themselves in a unique situation… even if, for a few lucky ones, it can sometimes be cheaper to go skiing by plane than by train! This democratization of transatlantic travel fuels desires for road trips.
Rock-bottom prices… for how long?
This spring is undoubtedly the season for great deals to travel to the United States. But beware, these unbeatable prices could quickly disappear as summer and the usual tourist flow approach. Most airlines announce that these promotions will last only until June, so don’t hesitate: it’s best to book quickly! For those who prefer to plan ahead, keep an eye on links for direct flights to other destinations or alternatives, like overseas territories, which are often just as tempting.
If you enjoy offbeat trips and dream of an adventure on rails rather than in the air, the night train from Paris may also appeal to the most nostalgic of long journeys. A journey to experience here!
American dreams and economic reality
The plane ticket, at just €180, widely opens the doors to the American dream. But beware of the shock once you arrive! The differences in living standards remain stark. A coffee easily costs €10 in New York, museum entrance is around €30, and you should budget at least €100 for a night in a hotel. Airlines are bleeding money to attract tourists, but the real challenge will be to see if restaurateurs, hoteliers, and attractions will do the same to make the experience accessible all the way through. Will the United States win back the hearts of the French?
